RICHMOND, Va. — As a journalist for WTVR, I’ve shared the stories of people all across Central Virginia. But for this assignment, I traveled more than 4,500 miles to Europe to feature someone I’m close with but never had the opportunity to meet — my grandfather.
Captain William McQuade commanded a company in the 692nd Tank Destroyer Battalion during World War II.
WTVR Over 10 days, I visited the battlefield where my grandfather fought and some of his fellow soldiers died. While there, a small part of my grandfather was with me: the rosary beads he carried throughout the war.
My trek across five countries in Europe coincided with the 80th anniversary of my grandfather’s baptism of fire in WWII.
This trip, several years in the making, honored Captain McQuade and the brave soldiers he fought alongside.
WTVR In Holland, Peet, Ronald, and Esther led me on a tour of the battlefields where my grandfather and the 692nd first battled the Germans.
It’s clear the Dutch remain grateful that the Americans helped liberate their country from oppression.